Manager of Air Operations Paul Richard said the flight had to abort its scheduled 7.10 p.m. departure after a bang was heard as the plane was preparing to take off.

The majority of the passengers were re-routed on Continental's flight which departed about two hours later.

Other passengers left on a variety of later flights with some opting to stay another night in Bermuda.

American Airlines local general manager Carol DeCouto said engine parts for the grounded plane were scheduled to arrive last night and it was scheduled to leave with just the crew and mechanics by 4 p.m. today.